Why in News ?

Eight Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended on  September 21 for unruly behaviour in the House the previous day (September 20). The motion was passed by a voice vote. Suspending MP’s From Rajya Sabha. 

About the News

• The government moved a motion seeking the suspension of opposition party MP’s
• Reason Mentioned
  • It is the role and duty of the Presiding Officer in case of Lok Sabha Speaker and Chairman in case of Rajya Sabha to maintain order so that House can function smoothly.
  • The suspension of the eight members comes it witnessed massive unruly scenes by protesting Opposition members during the passage of two farm Bills.
  • In order to ensure that proceedings are conducted in the proper manner the Speaker/Chairman is empowered to force a Member to withdraw from the House.
• It is strong action, but it is not uncommon.

Power to Suspend MP’s

• Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business Rule Number 373
  • Withdrawal and Suspension of Members : The Speaker, if is of the opinion that the conduct of any member is grossly disorderly, may direct such member to withdraw immediately from the House, and any member so ordered to withdraw shall do so forthwith and shall remain absent during the remainder of the day’s sitting.
• Suspension of Member 374
  1. The Speaker, may, if deems it necessary, name a member who disregards the authority of the Chair or abuses the rules of the House by persistently and wilfully obstructing the business thereof.
  2. If a member is so named by The Speaker, the Speaker shall, on a motion being made forthwith put the question that the member (naming such member) be suspended from the service of the House for a period not exceeding the remainder of the session:
     • Provided that the House may, at any time, on a motion being made, resolve that such suspension be terminated.
  3. A member suspended under this rule shall forthwith withdraw from the precincts of the House.
• Automatic Suspension of a Member Section (374A)
  1. Notwithstanding anything contained in rules 373 and 374, in the event of grave disorder occasioned by a member coming into the well of the House or abusing the Rules of the House persistently and wilfully obstructing its business by shouting slogans or otherwise, such member shall, on being named by The Speaker, stand automatically suspended from the service of the House for five consecutive sittings or the remainder of the session, whichever is less:
     • Provided that the House may, at any time, on a motion being made, resolve that such suspension be terminated.
  2. On The Speaker announcing the suspension under this rule, the member shall forthwith withdraw from the precincts of the House.
• Do Chairman have the Power (Suspending MP’s From Rajya Sabha) ?
  • Unlike the Speaker the Rajya Sabha Chairman does not have the power to suspend a Member.
    • The House may, by another motion, terminate the suspension.
  • Chairman may name a Member who disregards the authority of the Chair or abuses the rules of the Council by persistently and wilfully obstructing business.
  • In such a situation, the House may adopt a motion suspending the Member from the service of the House for a period not exceeding the remainder of the session.

Source : Indian Express

Topic

GS II : Constitution of India and Indian polity

• Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these

Current Affairs Compilation : 22 September 2020